Ban against Akhtar upheld, can play in the IPL though

In a major setback to Akhtar, the five year ban imposed against him has been upheld by a three-member appellate tribunal.

Aftab Farukh, the judge heading a three-member appellate tribunal said, "We will not suspend five-year ban order on Shoaib."

"Shoaib has harmed the board, fans and the entire country," he added.

Amir Bilal, the media advisor of the PCB was scathing in his criticism of the speedster. "Shoaib is in a habit of apologising time and again and then repeating the same mistake. PCB wants to set its record right and does not want such things to happen again in Pakistan cricket," he said.

"No player is bigger than the game and PCB will not compromise on indiscipline. The decision is in the larger interest of the game. Discipline should be maintained in game be it in the case of Harbhajan or Shoaib."

"It would be best for Shoaib to say goodbye to Pakistan cricket and start looking for an alternative career in international cricket," he added, thereby ending the possibility of Shoaib's association with the PCB in any capacity.

However, in some respite for the Rawalpindi Express, the PCB has clarified that they will not impose any restriction on his participation in the IPL. However, whether the IPL will allow him to participate, remains to be seen.

Yesterday, Shoaib had apologised to the Pakistan Cricket Board for his comments regarding corruption within the PCB